Big Ten Policy Simulation: Democracy Restoration Act
Friday, October 6, 2023
1:00 –6:00 pm EST
Virtual
You are invited to participate in the third Big Ten Collaboration on 21st Century Democracy Policy Simulation on October 6th. This is a virtual event that is open to students from all disciplines across the Big Ten Schools and all schools within the University System of Maryland. The Big Ten Collaboration, led by the Civic Innovation Center at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the Gerald Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, is a conference-wide initiative to develop educational programming that promotes active civic education and engagement.
The Democracy Restoration Act:
Students in this virtual policy simulation will play the role of individual Senators on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee as they debate real legislation, S. 1667, sponsored by Maryland’s senior Senator, Ben Cardin. The bill aims to establish a federal mandate that restores voting rights to all individuals upon their release from incarceration in an attempt to address the disparities in felony disenfranchisement laws across the nation.
Making a Difference Together:
Worried you won’t understand policy talk? Unclear about a policy simulation? Don’t be! This is a learning experience for everyone, and democracy thrives when people from diverse backgrounds participate. You will have the opportunity to play the role of a Senator working to move a bill out of committee, or one who might oppose the bill. This event is for anyone who is curious about the trade-offs and challenges involved in legislative policymaking and who wants to have a say in shaping the future. Here is an article about a previous Big Ten policy simulation.
Worried you won’t understand policy talk? Unclear about a policy simulation? Don’t be! This is a learning experience for everyone, and democracy thrives when people from diverse backgrounds participate. You will have the opportunity to play the role of a Senator working to move a bill out of committee, or one who might oppose the bill. This event is for anyone who is curious about the trade-offs and challenges involved in legislative policymaking and who wants to have a say in shaping the future. Here is an article about a previous Big Ten policy simulation.
Guided by Experts:
Led by University of Michigan's Elisabeth Gerber, the Jack L. Walker, Jr. Professor of Public Policy and director of the Program in Practical Policy Engagement at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, this event will allow students to come together and engage in the process of creating legislation.
Led by University of Michigan's Elisabeth Gerber, the Jack L. Walker, Jr. Professor of Public Policy and director of the Program in Practical Policy Engagement at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, this event will allow students to come together and engage in the process of creating legislation.
Gain Recognition:
Students who complete the policy simulation will receive a digital badge that recognizes their participation and skills developed in this learning experience.
Students who complete the policy simulation will receive a digital badge that recognizes their participation and skills developed in this learning experience.
Shape Democracy - Join Us:
We encourage students from all Big Ten schools, all USM schools, and all areas of study to participate! To take part in this event, please register HERE. Questions? Contact Professor Paul Brown at the UMD School of Public Policy at pbrown15@umd.edu.
